Step form



G. H. MILLER May 5, 1931.

STEP FORM Filed Aug. 6, 1928 Patented May 5, 1931 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE I GEORGE E. MILLER, 01 MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN, ASSIGNOR TO METAL FORMS COR- PORATION,. OF MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN STEP FORM Application fil ed August 6, 1928. Serial No. 297,828.

This invention is directed to a novel constr'uction of a so-called step form, commonly availed of in concrete construction enterprises. As the name implies, a step form is 5 utilized to mold or form concrete in a molten state until it has set, and is used to fashion the concrete into a stepped configuration. The conventional type of step forms now commonly employed comprise, mainly, side pieces or members which are formed with angular cut-aways or recesses, together with suitable means for positioning the said side pieces, and so-called longitudinal form members or risers which are aflixed to the side pieces in the angular cut-aways or steps thereof, so that the said riser form members assume a vertical position which is a prime requisite of the proper functioning of the entire form. It is readily appreciable that a of utilization in only one relative angular position; that is, 1n order for the user form members to be vertical, 1t 1s essential that the side pieces assume a certain definite 500i the character described, which is capable of adjustment into Various angular inclinations while in operative position. More specifically, it is an object to provide a step form of this type which includes instrumen talities for varying the angular relation between the riser form members and the side pieces. This feature permits the side pieces to be placed in any position within a certain range and still impart to the riser forms the to their proper functioning.

In carrying out my idea into practical use, I employ flanged plates which-are pivoted to the side pieces adjacent to the cut-aways. Bolt and slot arrangements are also provided for holding the plates in any of their adjusted positions. that one of their vertical edges is adapted to have the riser forms bear there-against,

and the flange on the plate constitutes a form of the type heretofore used is capable property of verticalness which is so essential The plates are so arranged means by which the riser form members are clamped or held in position.

It is a noteworthy object of the inventio to provide adjusting devices as hereinbefore to the following description and accompanying drawings, in which,

Figure 1 is a view in perspective of a step form including features provided by this invention. I

Figure 2 is a side View, somewhat'fragmentary, of one of the side pieces bringing out the flanged plates thereon.

Figure 3 isa fragmentary detail showing 'of'the slot and bolt arrangement'associated with one of the flanged plates for holding it in its adjusted position.

Figure l is a detail cross sectional View taken about on the line 38 of Figure 2, and

Figures 5 and 6 are views bringing out the construction of one of the clamping devices.

While a preferred specific embodiment of the invention is herein set forth, it is to be understood that I am not to be limited to the. exact construction illustrated and described because various 7 modifications of these details may be provided in putting the'invention into practice within the purview of the appended claims. 7

Throughout the various figures of the drawings and the specification like reference characters denote corresponding parts.

A step form of the character described comprises generally, side pieces A, riser forms B, and means of anchorage for the form referred to generally by the reference character C. In the present instance, the anchorage means C comprises stakes 1, which pass through openings in brackets 2, carried by the side pieces A.

The side pieces 'A are cut away as shown at 3 to provide angular shaped recesses so as to accommodate the riser form members B in vertical positions.

Referring now to Figure 2, each of the side pieces A carries plates 4 preferably on its outer side, said plates 4 having turned over flanges on the edges thereof as shown at 5, which impart to the plate the property of rigidity and also serve a purpose to be hereinafter set forth. There is one of these plates located adjacent to the edge of the cut-aways 3, and the plates are so arranged with respect to their pivotal mounting at 6 that one flanged edge thereof extends substantially in alignment with the vertical edge of the cut-aways 3. However, the relation of the edge of the plate 4 with the edge of the cutaway 3 may be varied, due to the pivotal mounting at 6. Located diagonally opposite with respect to the pivot 6, the plate 4: is provided with a slot 7 through which projects a threaded bolt carried by the side piece A. Some suitable form of clamping means such as wing nut 8 is threaded on the bolt and is adapted to bear against the plate 4 to positively hold the same in position. It is obvious that the plate 4 may be adjusted by means of the bolt and wing nut 8 and slot 7 so that its upwardly extending edge will be in a vertical plane.

The riser forms B may be held clamped against the flanged edges 5 of the plates 4 by any preferred clamping medium although in the present instance, I have shown the type of clamping device shown in the patent to Trester hereinbefore identified, inasmuch as said clamping device has a hook member 9 which is particularly adapted for cooperation with the flange 5 on plate 4-.

In assembling the form, side pieces A are anchored and the plates 4 put in proper posit-ion with vertically extending edges by means of the bolt and slot arrangement 7 and S. The riser forms B are now clamped to the plates by passing the hook members 9 of the clamping device through proper openings in the form. These openings are preferably equidistantly spaced along the form members so that the step form may have varied dimensions. These openings are designated 10. Upon insertion of the hook member through the opening 10 so that it engages with flange 5, the cam portions 11 of the clamping device are brought into engagement with the form and due to the cam construction, the rigid clamping effect is obtained.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is 1. A step form of the class described, comprising, in combination, side form members having angular cut-away recesses with substantially vertically extending edges, plates pivotally mounted on the side members having edges adjacent to and in substantial alignment with the vertically extending edges of the side forms, means for holding the plates in adjusted position, longitudinal vertically extending form members and cammed clamping devices having parts adapted for interlocking with the plates for holding the longitudinal form members against the vertically extending edges of the plates.

2. A step form of the class described, comprising, in combination, side form members having cut-aways therein defining substantially vertically disposed edges on the side form men'ibers, plates carried by the side form members, each plate having one edge substantially adjacent to one of the vertically disposed edges of the side form members, and means for adjusting the relative position of the plates with respect to the side form members so that vertical edges of the plates may be adjusted with respect to the vertical edges of the side form mem bers and thereby made to assume a true verical position, regardless of the position of the edges of the side form members.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature.

GEORGE H. MILLER. 

